FEBRUARY 20, 2018
TSAWWASSEN, BC (PGA of British Columbia) -- PGA of BC members were delighted by Monday’s talk from keynote speaker Michael Breed, as well as the insights of six other expert presenters, during what will perhaps go down as the most memorable Spring Education Seminar to date.
Breed, a world-renowned instructor best known for his work as a longtime Golf Channel personality, headlined two fantastic days of valuable, informative presentations that wrapped up Tuesday afternoon at Tsawwassen Springs.
During a speaking session that lasted well over three hours and touched on topics ranging from putting mechanics, the game’s history, the role of a Golf Professional and much more, Breed had the 170-plus PGA of BC members and guests in attendance engaged, reflecting on his talking points and laughing throughout. Even once he left to a standing ovation, it felt as though Breed could have continued addressing the crowd for hours more.
As much as Breed’s “Let’s do this” mantra and enthusiasm was incredibly infectious, the Chief Digital Instructor for Golf Digest said he was equally inspired by the group he lectured Monday.
“When I went to Australia and spoke down there, I marvelled at the desire and passion,” said Breed. “Here, I got the exact same feel as I had in Australia. I look around the room and everybody’s focusing, they’re processing, they’re listening, they’re laughing and enjoying the experience.
“Their energy was fantastic.”
Breed said he hopes that attendees took something of value away from his presentation – you’d be hard-pressed to find anybody who didn’t – but he also encouraged Golf Professionals to continue to find avenues of professional development going forward.
“What I hope is that they aspire to learn more and aspire to grow the game,” said Breed. “I hope that they get into a history book and find out about the history of the game or the people that came into the game. I hope they read instructional books with things that differ from what they believe, because what I want them to do is expand their knowledge. I want them to quest information, and I want them to quest better.”
Another lauded presentation was delivered by Dr. Christopher Cain, Director of the PGA Golf Management Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His 90-minute appearance that opened Tuesday’s schedule highlighted not only the education of future Golf Professionals, but also the current state of the game globally and opportunities for golf’s growth into new regions and demographics.
Further insights on the future of golf came courtesy of seminar moderator and ModGolf Podcast host Colin Weston, who profiled some of the forward-thinking guests he’s welcomed to the podcast and explored the efforts of his sport-experience firm REVIVER Sport+Entertainment to bring a wider appeal to golf through innovative events.
Kirk O. Reese, Executive Vice-President for Denehy Club Thinking Partners and a former manager of some of America’s most esteemed private clubs, wrapped up Monday’s schedule by sharing insights on the hiring and interview process for positions at elite facilities.
The PGA of BC’s own Doug Hastie brought the focus back to golf instruction Tuesday morning. The PGA of BC’s Teacher of the Year in 2007, Hastie’s talk helped members zero in on the starting point when taking on a new student.
The Tuesday afternoon session featured Matthew Pritchard of Expense Reduction Analysts, who coached attendees on finding financial efficiencies without sacrificing the high standards facilities’ patrons have come to expect, and One Yellow Tree’s Andrew Muller, who gave an overview of marketing strategies and brand consistency in response to some of the challenges expressed by Golf Professionals.
Members also had the privilege of hearing from PGA of Canada CEO Kevin Thistle, who addressed those on hand for Monday’s PGA of BC Annual General Meeting and provided updates on initiatives and future approaches from the national office.
The PGA of BC would like to thank Acushnet Canada for making Breed's appearance at the event possible. The Association is also grateful for Tsawwassen Springs and host Head Professional Danny Long's hospitality over the two days. The outstanding facilities and dining experience helped make the Spring Education Seminar’s return to Tsawwassen a tremendous success.
More opportunities for professional development are on the schedule in the coming weeks, with the PGA of BC Education Series presented by Foresight Sports Canada stopping at Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club on March 6 and at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on April 24. Click here to learn more or register for the events.